Communications

Alternative EHR Certification for Hospitals Announced

The Certification Commission for Health Information Technology (CCHIT) announced a new electronic health records (EHR) certification process for hospitals to allow them to certify legacy software, self-developed EHR systems, and customized commercial products beginning December 15.

Previously, CCHIT, the independent certification body charged by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) with EHR product certification, only approved vendor-developed EHR products. The new certification program provides an alternative for hospitals that are using customized EHR products or a mix of certified and uncertified technologies.

Hospitals and physicians eligible for the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Payment program must be “meaningful users” of certified EHR technology to qualify for the incentive payments that start in the coming year and avoid payment penalties that begin in 2015. Contact:Susan Van Meter